Blackstone's Pub and Grill a Flint Favorite

Irish Inspired Restaurant Caters to Downtown Flint Business Crowd

Aug 9, 2009

Blackstone's Pub and Grill is a popular destination for businesspeople in Flint. Learn its history and what to order at the downtown Irish American restaurant.

Opened in spring 2009, Blackstone's Pub and Grill has quickly become a favorite among Flint, Michigan, locals. Situated at 531 S. Saginaw, between the new Wade Trim Building and the Mott Foundation Building, the restaurant provides both traditional Irish fare and pub favorites to local businesspeople and students from the nearby universities.

Restaurant Is an Homage to Flint's History

Blackstone's restaurant is located in a building that previously housed Blackstone's Clothery, an upscale men's clothing store. The building had been vacant since 1983. Co-owner Dave Lurvey says he chose to keep the name in homage to the history of the building.

The pub and grill has kept the building's history alive with exposed brick walls and the original steel ceiling. In addition, the walls feature stone pillars reminiscent of the movie theater that once occupied the building. The floor is stained concrete.

Blackstone's Is Part of Downtown Flint Revitalization

The restaurant is one of a series of Uptown Reinvestment Corp. projects that are reshaping the downtown Flint area and bringing people back to the city. Recently, a Wize Guys Pizza shop and The Lunch Studio opened on Saginaw Street. Locally owned Brown Sugar Cafe has been open since 2006 and offers coffee drinks and smoothies. In addition, several loft apartments and condominiums have drawn new residents to the growing downtown area.

Pub Food and More at the American-Irish Restaurant

An Irish pub, the menu at Blackstone's offers a variety of American and Irish specialties. A selection of soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches please the lunch crowd, as well as steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes. Lurvey says they procure produce from the nearby Flint Farmers' Market whenever they can.

Business Travelers, Students and Solo Travelers

The interior of Blackstone's is about 6,500 square feet, with several large screen televisions and a full bar. Lunch brings in many local business people, as well as students from the local universities. The restaurant can be noisy when crowded, so diners can find quieter seating outdoors on the terrace in front, where people watching is a favorite pastime. In addition, solo travelers may wish to dine at the expansive bar, behind which are both friendly bartenders and several flat panel televisions.

The restaurant features live music on Friday nights and promotes local musicians. Diners can enjoy all sorts of music, including jazz, blues and traditional Irish groups.

“It's been so long since something like this was here,” Lurvey said. “Our goal is to get people back to Flint the way it used to be.”

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